HUNDREDS of used bottles were left strewn on a footpath after yobs set fire to a recycling bin.

Some four tonnes of glass was left piled high in Station Road, Marks Tey, after the fire on Saturday.

The blaze was reported shortly before 11pm and extinguished within 15 minutes, but the fire was strong enough to melt the containers where people had originally diligently place their recycling.

A spokesman for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Recycling bins had been set on fire and approximately four tonnes of glass had spilled onto a footpath.

“The company which owns the bins and Colchester Council were informed.”

The council have since removed all of the bottles, and the destroyed bins.

Marks Tey parish council chairman Allan Walker said the recycling area had been a problem for a while.

“The council have been saying for a while that something needs to be done with the area – and are pretty keen for them to be removed,” he said.

“They are often overflowing which is really unsightly.

“It is not the greatest first impression of Marks Tey for when you first get off the train to see an overflowing bin.

“They majority of the items which are collected are covered by the kerbside recycling rounds.

“It looks as if they are used by people travelling in from outside of Marks Tey.

“If we are going to have containers there, then it should be done properly with adequate space and some firm ground.

“If people do have a need for it then give them a proper facility which works and don’t have it where it causes problems.”

Mr Walker added: “The current crisis we are in brings out both the best and the worst in people.

“It is not the only damage we have seen.

“There are vandalism around the parish hall and graffiti on the railway bridge.

“People just seem to have a lot more pent up frustration.

“Colchester Council acted quickly and we thank them for their response.”